Introducing Updates to the Cart Star Rewards Program

Shoppers are ​​an important part of the Instacart community, helping give people access to the food they love and more time to enjoy it together. You balance empathy and efficiency with communication and problem-solving. With every carefully considered substitution, expiration date examined, and order delivered, you master your craft and delight your customers. 

In 2022, we renewed our commitment to improving your experience on the Instacart platform. As part of that commitment, we introduced Cart Star, a shopper rewards program that recognizes your work on the Instacart platform. 

Since we launched Cart Star, shoppers have continued to go above and beyond for customers, earning points with each order shopped to qualify for the three Cart Star tiers: Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Carts. Along the way, we’ve gathered your feedback on the program and how you’d like to see Cart Star evolve to meet your needs. That’s why, today, we’re excited to announce that we are investing even further in the program with meaningful additions that recognize the shopper community.

“We’ve seen firsthand the positive impact the Cart Star program has had on shoppers’ experience with Instacart – from increased recognition to cost savings on important expenses like gas, car maintenance, child and senior care, and more,” said John Adams, Vice President of Shopper & Fulfillment Product at Instacart. “We’re excited to introduce updates that build upon our existing rewards and make them even more valuable to shoppers, as well as launch a new feature that celebrates some of the most experienced shoppers for their continued commitment to Instacart.”

Refreshed rewards for each Cart Star tier

Gold Cart

Gold Cart shoppers have access to everyday savings to help with business expenses and other important costs. Through our partnership with Upside, shoppers will now earn an increased savings of up to 30 cents per gallon cash back at thousands of participating gas stations nationwide.* Gold Cart shoppers will continue to have access to an extra 25% off on oil changes through CarAdvise, along with discounts on other important automobile maintenance. 

Platinum Cart

Platinum Cart shoppers will now earn an increased savings of up to 35 cents per gallon cash back through Upside.* Additionally, you’ll now have access to up to 4 days of in-home care for children, seniors, and pets for just $1 per hour ($1.27 CAD per hour in Canada) and $10 per day for in-center care ($12.70 CAD per day in Canada) through Care.com. You’ll also continue to have access to an extra 50% off on oil changes through CarAdvise, as well as have your Cart Star status visible to your customers in-app. 

Diamond Cart

Diamond Cart shoppers will now earn an increased savings of 75% off on oil changes through our partner, CarAdvise, and up to 35 cents per gallon cash back through Upside.* You’ll also continue to receive priority access to batches before stores open or when you’re close to the store; access to up to 4 days of in-home care for children, seniors, and pets for just $1 per hour ($1.27 CAD per hour in Canada) and $10 per day for in-center care ($12.70 CAD per day in Canada) through Care.com; and have your Cart Star status visible to your customers in-app.

Celebrating experienced shoppers with Platinum Protection

To celebrate shoppers who have completed at least 4,000 orders, we’re introducing a feature called Platinum Protection. With Platinum Protection, shoppers will not drop below Platinum Cart status as long as they have completed a minimum of 4,000 lifetime orders and have taken at least one order in the last 3 months, as well as maintain a 4.7 rating. We know how much shoppers enjoy the flexibility that comes with shopping with Instacart, and we don’t think you should have to lose access to Cart Star rewards when life gets busy. 

We’re excited to introduce these updates that reward the exceptional dedication of our shopper community. These new features will be available starting Saturday, July 1, at the beginning of the new rewards period. We look forward to continuing to enhance the Cart Star program to best meet the needs of shoppers in the years to come.

*Upside is not currently available in Canada

Instacart

Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.